Upcoming
2012 - The Believers
2011 - The Believers
2010 - Bringing the best in cultural events in the Diaspora remains paramount.
The Caribbean community continues to preserve its rich heritage in a distant land. I am focusing on religious and spiritual meetings unique to the region. The most recent event took place on Nostrand Avenue at the Yoruba-Spiritual Baptist Church. It was a fresh and breathtaking event that captured the eclectic sounds of Africa and hymnal invocations of western religion. More importantly, it was reflection of the tenacity of people, who despite centuries of enslavement and reculturalization, never gave up on their ancestry and heritage. It was a triumph of a people's soul. I was moved.
I have also begun work on an ambitious project that chronicles the spiritual/occult practices of the West Indian in New York. I am in discussion with a Caribbean publisher and do hope to have the manuscript ready by the summer of this year. By the way, I have not settled on a title but "The Believers..." is sounding more and more attractive. Keep you posted. Any suggestions? I have been afforded incredible access to secret ceremonies and have conducted interviews with the most knowledgeable in the field. It promises to be an eye opener. I am indeed thankful to all those who have trusted me with this very important undertaking. I am mindful of the responsibility of doing such a work without prejudice and thirst for sensationalism.
On a different note, I am looking forward to successfully defending my dissertation this year, God willing. Will let you know how that goes.
Take care and the very best in 2010!!
Any legislation on immigration reform promises to spark contentious debates similar to what is currently taking place with health care . I have been in touch with Churches United for Saving and Healing (CUSH). It is Brooklyn based organization with strong ties to the Caribbean. Interesting, this group is at the fore, recently visiting Capitol Hill to demand comprehensive reform that will offer a pathway for the undocumented worker to gain legal status. "Immigration issues must fall under the purview of human right," I was told my its spokesman Pastor Gilford Monrose.
This is quite a fluid issue so a series of interviews with key players are planned.
For readers familiar with Parang music the next month will intrigue. I will be visiting the Starlite Serenaders, New York's numero uno Parang group. As we say in Trinidad..."Trini Christmas is de best!" Parang has a lot to do with that!
For more on parang visit: www.triniview.co/articles/parang.html